The Northshore School District’s board met on October 23rd and it was clear that their priorities lie in developing inclusive, dynamic learning experiences and environments for the district’s children. With the year only a few months from its end, the meeting focused both on the successes the district has had while staying fully cognizant of the work it is going to take to help continue the Northshore district’s rapid climb as one of the state’s leaders in education.

Superintendent Michelle Reid has been very active in the community with fruitful efforts to gather more input from residents whose families are effected by the school system. Superintendent Reid was quick to bring up the continued need for identifying dyslexia, stating that from her own notes, she knows it effects one of every five students. During her “Coffee with the Superintendent” meeting on October 18th, she met with many residents that helped concrete the need for continued awareness, diagnosis, and continued support for children with dyslexia.

Northshore Council PTSA president Carrie McKenzie carried the conversation and discussion further tying in her thanks and gratitude to the council- members and community before sharing exciting and important news regarding the development of awareness and opportunity for Northshore and the state of Washington as a whole. McKenzie celebrated over 250 families that came out to the showing on October 16th of Angst, a film about anxiety disorders and how to treat them. The sheer number of attendees exemplified the importance on understanding and handling mental health.

McKenzie explained that many issues brought forward by Region 6 at the Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly were approved including: mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and class size reduction. McKenzie went on to provide updates on attorney Tom Ahearn’s testimony. His message restated the council’s message to urge the Supreme Court to enforce the order for legislature to fully fund basic education. McKenzie explained that just because specific funding formulas had been funded does not make it so total cost is accounted for. “What we do want people to do is really contact the Supreme Court justices and say please enforce the order in whatever way you see fit,” said McKenzie, “We can’t come this far and just stop at the finish line.”

When the meeting reached public comment, there were numerous society members to voice their personal stories relating to the struggles of dyslexia. Drew Flinn, a student who has struggled with this issue, bravely took the microphone and directly spoke to the council when he said, “I feel like I can’t tell anyone I have dyslexia and dysgraphia because they won’t be my friend.” Flinn strikes an emotional string but by doing so shows how someone struggling with this condition can benefit on an emotional level due to an educational system that is rigorous with its development. Flinn was one of 12 individuals to speak on dyslexia during public comment.One of the board’s Action Items concerned a generous donation to Kokanee Elementary School for TenMarks Math. It is an Amazon company that focuses on a personalized approach to help every student reach their potential. Superintendent Michelle Reid stated, “[this approach gives] more direction from the teacher’s standpoint and gives more options to the kids.” The motion carried unanimously.

For more information on the film Angst visit their website: AngstMovie.com and for information on TenMarks